Open Water Courses
The tropical warmth makes it possible to dive all year round. Though located on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, diving in Tricomalee is the best from April through October when the average water temperature ranges between 25C/77F and 30C/86F. The average annual temperature of the ocean around this destination is 27-29C/81-84F. Even though the water remains warm during this time, it is recommended to wear thin wet suit due to possible thermoclines. The air temperature varies between 26C/79F and 29C/84F with relative humidity reaching up to 90%. The monsoon usually takes place in December and January bringing quite a lot of rain which affects clarity of the water. Through the rest of the year the water visibility remains high and can reach up to 30m/98ft. The current can reach 2 knots on days when the sea is rough. What to see The marine life is extremely diverse around Trincomalee, which starts with tiny juvenile fish and ends with blacktip reef sharks. Other species that are often seen here are sweetlips, eels, snapper, lionfish, parrotfish, and frogfish. It is even possible to spot dolphins or majestic blue whales.
Trincomalee is a destination on the east coast of Sri Lanka well-known for its religious sights, temples, and ornate gopurams (a type of tower). Trincomalee Airport is located here. Another important attraction here is Fort Frederick, with an old fortress, cannons, and artillery. With its diverse underwater landscape, Tricomalee attracts divers of all levels of experience. Trincomalee is a popular diving spot with a large sandbank that drops 1500m/4921ft deep into the crystal-clear water. This part of Sri Lanka is known as the home of the second largest natural harbor in the world. Even though there are many sites with underwater walls, colorful reefs, underwater statues of gods, pinnacles, and shallow rocky floors full of fish skulls, old shipwrecks serve as the main attraction here. They lie not too far from the coast at different depths with the deepest one sitting in 42m/138ft of water. Most popular dive sites The most popular dive sites nearby are Swami Rock, with a nursery slope, as well as Sitanampara, Eel Rock, and Pigeon Rock. Other curious spots around include the famous H.M.S Hermes Wreck, also Pigeon Island, Shark Point, and Uppuveli Pinnacles. World War II Aircraft, Sri Lankan Navy, Chinese Gun Boats, Admiralty Floating Dock 23 and H.M.S. Diomede are famous sites around Tricomalee among the divers who are keen on exploring historic wrecks.
